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Video encyclopedia

Atari 8-bit family

10:17

Atari 800XL: The pinnacle of Atari 8-bit computers

6:57

Computer War for the Atari 8-bit family

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Atari 8 bit computers overview

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Computer Chess for the Atari 8-bit family

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Games That Push the Limits of the Atari 8-Bit Family

The Atari 8-bit family is a series of 8-bit home computers introduced by Atari, Inc. in 1979 and manufactured until 1992. All of the machines in the family are technically similar and differ primarily in packaging. They are based on the MOS Technology 6502 CPU running at 1.79 MHz, and were the first home computers designed with custom co-processor chips. This architecture enabled graphics and sound capabilities that were more advanced than contemporary machines at the time of release, and gaming on the platform was a major draw. Star Raiders is considered the platform's killer app.
  • History 

  • Follow-up systems 

  • End of support and legacy 

  • Design 

  • Computer models 

  • Peripherals 

  • Software 

  • Playfield graphics